Boracay Stakeholders Appeal to DENR to Revisit Proclamation 1064

By Jun N. Aguirre

A DENR-hosted workshop in Kalibo last March on the proposed amendment of road easement was attended by Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, Mayor Frolibar Bautista, and key DENR officials. 📸 DENR Western Visayas

The Natives of Boracay and Business Stakeholders, Inc. (NaBBSI) has formally appealed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to revisit and correct issues surrounding Presidential Proclamation No. 1064 (PP 1064), citing concerns over land classification and its impact on local residents and businesses in Boracay.

In a seven-page position paper submitted to the DENR Central Office on May 5, 2026, the group emphasized that indigenous families and long-time occupants face severe uncertainty over land tenure and property rights due to provisions under the proclamation. 

“We emailed our Position Paper to the DENR Central Legal Office today, as requested during the dialogue on April 14, 2026,” NaBBSI announced on Facebook. “We are requesting an official response and recommended actions within 15 days.”

Issued in 2006 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, PP 1064 classified portions of Boracay Island as forestland and agricultural land. While intended to regulate land use and environmental protection, stakeholders argue that certain provisions adversely affect legitimate residents, indigenous families and multi-generational entrepreneurs who have lived on the island for generations.

NaBBSI noted that the proclamation causes heavy confusion among landowners and investors, particularly regarding areas classified as forestland where titling and development restrictions apply. They argued that Boracay natives who helped build the island’s tourism industry should not be displaced by outdated policy interpretations. Unresolved land issues also continue to discourage investments and create legal uncertainties for tourism-related enterprises, including small resorts, restaurants and family establishments.

The appeal urges DENR officials to review disputed classifications and to consider historical occupancy, social justice, and the welfare of legitimate island residents. The group proposed a stronger dialogue involving national agencies, local government units, and civil society to balance environmental protection with social inclusion.

“NaBBSI remains prepared to engage constructively with the DENR in the development of a framework that reconciles environmental stewardship with the rights and dignity of the communities of Boracay,” the group stated.

The appeal comes amid ongoing debates over sustainable development, land ownership, and Boracay's destination trajectory, including concerns over the island's controversial 30-meter road easement.